I completed my very first KAL (knit-a-long) today!!! Actually, I completed two at the same time – one in ecru and one in Evergreen. (I like the evergreen one better but the pic didn’t come out so I posted the ecru.)

This project was several “firsts” for me. It was my first KAL, it was the first time I have knitted two projects on the same needles ( a very useful technique for small projects) and it was my first picture knitting. I found all three to be great learning experiences. I can’t believe how much fun the KAL was.

The premise behind a KAL is that you receive 7 or so lines of the pattern at a time over a period of 5 days. After knitting all 5 days you have a dishcloth for keeping or giving. I like the fact that this was a low commitment project – it only required a few minutes a day and one ball of yarn. This is a great way to stock up on quick gifts.

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy doing a KAL but I was like a kid at Christmas – couldn’t wait to get to the computer each morning to get my next pattern instructions. And I had a BLAST trying to guess what the pattern was – I figured it out on Day 3. I learned a lot in the process. I increased my pattern reading skills – unless you like frogging (rip-it, rip-it), you really have to pay attention to the instructions. They weren’t difficult, you just had to pay attention to what you were doing. It really helped increase my confidence in my knitting skills. Can’t wait for the next one!!!!!

If you have never tried a KAL I highly recommend it. You can sign up for the Dishcloth KAL at this link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MonthlyDishcloths/
There are also others on the internet too. Just do a search and you will see what I mean. I am trying socks next!!!

Just keep Knitting, knitting, knitting!!!!

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Project details – Rocking horse pattern by Janet Nogle from Monthly Dishcloth KAL Yahoo group. Sugar and Creme cotton yarn – color ecru. Size 7 Clover bamboo needles.